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'Even in his laziest moments, Presley was a master of intonation and phrasing, delivering his rich baritone with a disarming naturalness. And when he caught a spark from his great T.C.B. Band, Presley could still out-sing anyone in American pop. You can hear it here on inspired versions of Muddy Waters' 'Got My Mojo Working' (1971), Wayne Carson's 'Always on My Mind'(1972), Chuck Berry's 'Promised Land' (1975), McCartney's 'Lady Madonna' (1970), Percy Mayfield's 'Stranger in My Own Hometown'(1969), Dennis Linde's 'Burning Love' (1972) and Joe South's 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' (1970).

Elvis Presley#164

MusicElvis presleyBandCollaboration

About this quote

What does it mean?
Even in relaxed moments, Elvis mastered intonation and phrasing, and with his T.C.B. Band he could out‑sing any American pop singer, covering diverse songs from blues to rock.
In plain terms
He was great at pitch and style, and could out‑sing peers with his band.
What can you take from it?
Strong musical collaboration enhances vocal performance.

Where it applies

  • studio sessions
  • live band arrangements

Putting it to work

  • work closely with skilled musicians
  • study varied genres

Questions to consider

  • How does a backing band influence a vocalist?
  • What makes a singer stand out across genres?

Another view

The claim of 'out‑sing anyone' is subjective.

More from Elvis Presley

  1. ' Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman's 'Viva Las Vegas' (1963), was custom-written as the title song for Elvis Presley's 14th film, a rollicking tribute to the city of …

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  2. 'Riding a streamlined rock-and-roll beat, the singer's vocal swoops, slurs, hiccups, moans and growls added up to a new pop singing vocabulary that was instant…

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  3. 'In the early going at the Charlotte Coliseum, there were scattered notes here and there that made you wonder if finally he was gonna do it but, always, he wou…

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